According to traffic engineer Sorab Rashid, the number of traffic accidents at that location has increased significantly over the years. So far there have been eight accidents, up two from 2002 and almost double the number of accidents in 2001. In addition, code enforcement officers recorded citing 12 drivers for traffic infractions—six for failing to yield, four for driving with excessive speed, one for driving under the influence and one for backing up illegally under dangerous conditions.

Patricia Stoerger was one of the eight commuters involved in a traffic accident in the area. Stoerger was travelling along Saratoga­Los Gatos Road toward Los Gatos when she collided with a vehicle that was making a left turn from Aloha. Stoerger suffered a fractured scapula and multiple bruises. Due to right-of-way, Stoerger was not at fault for the accident even though she was the one who collided into the opposing vehicle. There is no evidence of either party speeding.

In a letter addressed to the public safety commissioners, Stoerger and her husband, Bruno, requested that the commission investigate the street and make necessary street improvements, even if it means compromising the historical features of the area.

"Historic preservation is a wonderful attribute, and the town should be commended; however, it should not come at the expense of the public's safety. People's lives and their properties must come first," she stated.

At a public safety meeting, commissioners and Rashid came up with some options on addressing the problem. Those options included completely closing off the entrance onto Aloha Avenue, which will divert more traffic to Oak Street, blocking only the exit end of the street and placing mirrors on Bohlman Road to allow drivers to see ahead.

But some commissioners said they weren't thrilled about the idea of placing mirrors on the streets.

"It's hard to judge distance and speed because of the reflection from the mirror," said Commissioner Thomas Edel.

However, Rashid said that mirrored streets are popular and work very well in other areas, such as Hawaii.

Rashid said that one of the challenges of the project would be to improve traffic flow while "providing adequate pedestrian access to the residential neighborhoods."

The commissioners said they were hesitant to vote on the options without further investigation. They therefore motioned Rashid to conduct a weeklong traffic histogram on Aloha Avenue, as well as nearby intersections on Oak Street and Vickery Avenue. The study will include the number of cars turning onto and out of these streets and the peak hours of operation.

Commissioner Brigitte Ballingall said she would like to see the matter taken care of by the next public safety meeting, scheduled for June 12.